Club Connect
Summer 2025

A turning point came through the Caring for Others focus program, where Ghdeer worked closely with youth and seniors. It was there she discovered her passion for service – and a future in healthcare.

Inspired by her mother’s strength and her own love of science, Ghdeer has set her sights on becoming a cardiovascular perfusionist: a medical professional who operates life-sustaining equipment during heart surgeries. “This path lets me help people in their most vulnerable moments,” she said. “It brings together everything I care about – science, compassion and teamwork.”

This fall, she begins her studies in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, working toward her goal of joining surgical teams in operating rooms. Along the way, she plans to mentor youth, volunteer in healthcare settings and raise awareness of this life-saving profession.

Growing up with financial challenges, Ghdeer learned the value of resourcefulness and perseverance early on. Those experiences didn’t hold her back – they became her motivation to push forward and give back. “BGC Ottawa gave me the space to grow and the confidence to believe in myself,” she said. “That support made all the difference.”

Today, we’re proud to celebrate Ghdeer’s journey – and congratulate her on receiving the Charles King Scholarship. Because of you, stories like hers are unfolding every day at BGC Ottawa. Your generosity is helping young people build brighter, more hopeful futures.

Where you'll find us:

• Local parks
  Ambassadors are a consistent presence in local parks, creating opportunities for spontaneous and planned engagement. These spaces become hubs for outreach and connection.
• Recreation centres, libraries and wading pools
  Ambassadors are a familiar face at recreation centres, libraries and wading pools, where they connect with youth and families enjoying city spaces – offering friendly conversations, support and referrals to programs and services.
• Movies in the park, community BBQs and local events
  These popular seasonal events serve as ideal settings for Ambassadors to engage large groups of residents, promote services and gather youth voices in a relaxed and social environment.

Ambassadors are out seven days a week, engaging with the community during key evening hours (typically from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.). They bring energy and presence to public spaces, creating a sense of safety and belonging while connecting residents to programs and services.

What we do

• Connect: Foster peer support and authentic, youth-led interactions.
• Engage: Use conversation, sports and activities to build trust and unity.
• Bridge: Guide residents toward city services and community supports.

Get involved or learn more:

Want to learn more about how NAP supports our community? Visit www.bgcottawa.org or email nap@bgcottawa.org.

Together, we’re making Ottawa’s neighbourhoods stronger – one conversation at a time.

Walk to CTC

What began as a pandemic pastime has grown into a powerful annual tradition. For the second year in a row, Adam Coplan and a group of friends laced up their sneakers for the Walk to CTC, a unique fundraiser in support of BGC Ottawa’s Tkachuk’s Captains program.

A passionate Sens fan, Adam combined his love of walking and hockey by trekking from LeBreton Flats to Canadian Tire Centre ahead of the April 6 game against Columbus. With support from the Senators Community Foundation and the Sens Army, the group raised more than $7,800 for BGC Ottawa.

“Growing up, playing organized sports and spending time with my friends outside of school was critical in making my childhood the best possible experience it could be. I learned so many valuable skills and discovered so much about myself during that time in my life. It means a lot for my friends and I to be able to raise money for BGC Ottawa, because we know that it’s going to help so many kids be able to have similar experiences.

Taking a tour of the Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse and seeing the direct impact of what these funds will do for the kids at BGC Ottawa was an incredible experience for us. We’re excited to watch BGC Ottawa continue to grow and provide youth in Ottawa with the positive experiences and relationships they deserve.”

– Adam Coplan, avid Sens fan and BGC Ottawa supporter

Tomlinson Show & Shine

Rain or shine, Ottawa’s car community showed up in style for the 5th Annual Tomlinson Show & Shine – one of the city’s largest and most anticipated car shows.

From vintage classics to high-performance vehicles, the event featured an impressive lineup while rallying support for a great cause. Thanks to the generosity of attendees through the BBQ, 50/50 draw, raffle and kids’ zone, an outstanding $8,000 was raised in support of BGC Ottawa. The passion for cars and our community made this year’s Show & Shine another unforgettable success.

“The Tomlinson Show & Shine continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year, and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from Tomlinson and the Ottawa car community. This event not only showcases an impressive passion for vehicles but also reflects a deep commitment to giving back.

Rain or shine, it’s a day our team looks forward to – filled with energy, generosity and community spirit. We are proud to be part of such a meaningful tradition and thank everyone who contributed to its continued success.”

‍  – Adam Joiner, Chief Executive Officer, BGC Ottawa

Generation Next with Atlético Ottawa

Atlético Ottawa, in partnership with Dymon Storage, recently welcomed 100 BGC Ottawa youth and staff to TD Place for an unforgettable game day experience.

For many, it was their first time attending a professional soccer match – and they loved every minute. From the excitement of the crowd to the action on the field, it was an afternoon to remember.

This event was part of a partnership celebrating the next generation of soccer talent while supporting BGC Ottawa. A special highlight was when our Chief Programs Officer, Medin Admasu, kicked off the game with the ceremonial coin toss. Thank you, Atlético Ottawa and Dymon Storage, for making this possible!

“Thank you so much for giving our BGC Members the wonderful opportunity to experience the Atlético game – it truly meant a lot to all of them. Watching professional soccer was an unforgettable experience that inspired and excited our Members, and we’re truly grateful for your generosity and support. Opportunities like this make a lasting impact, and we appreciate your commitment to our community.”

– Tim Boisvert, Ron Kolbus Clubhouse Manager

EllisDon Bonspiel

The EllisDon Corporation recently brought their community together for a day of curling, connection and giving back. Their annual bonspiel at the Rideau Curling Club was more than just a fun day on the ice – it raised more than $20,000 in support of BGC Ottawa.

Dozens of participants came out to play, cheer and show their support for local children and youth. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team led by Sarah Walker worked tirelessly to plan and execute this successful event. Thanks to their hard work, these funds will help us continue delivering life-changing programs to young people across Ottawa.

“EllisDon proudly stands behind BGC Ottawa because we believe in investing in the future of our community’s children. By supporting this local organization, we are helping to create a brighter tomorrow for the next generation.”

– Sarah Walker, Project Manager, EllisDon Corporation

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